The Russian PD-35 is still undergoing tests, while the British Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 has been in operation on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for many years. Despite different levels of readiness, both belong to the class of powerful high-bypass turbofan engines with high thrust.
"Perviy Tekhnicheskiy" compared the two power plants based on five key criteria.
Thrust
The main advantage of the PD-35 is its size. The Russian engine is designed with a maximum takeoff thrust of 35 tons, and during bench tests, the demonstrator engine has already confirmed the ability to achieve thrust over 35 tons, reaching approximately 40 tons in certain modes.
The Trent 1000, depending on the modification, develops from 29 to 35 tons of thrust (64–78 thousand pounds). In terms of maximum thrust, the engines are almost at the same level — a draw is fair here.
Technological Level
The Trent 1000 is considered one of the most advanced production engines of its generation. It features a FADEC digital control system, a high bypass ratio of about 10:1, and wide-chord titanium fan blades.
The PD-35 also uses FADEC and technologies from the PD-14 family, but its main feature should be composite fan blades. For Rolls-Royce, similar solutions are only planned for the prospective UltraFan.
But the PD-35 is still undergoing tests, and the effectiveness of new technologies can only be finally assessed after certification is completed — a draw here too.
Fuel Efficiency
The Trent 1000 was developed specifically for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, where one of the main tasks was to reduce operating costs.
Thanks to new engines, a composite airframe, and modern aerodynamics, the Boeing 787 consumes approximately 20% less fuel than the previous generation Boeing 767. However, the engine's contribution accounts for only part of this saving.
For the PD-35, a significant reduction in specific fuel consumption relative to the previous generation of Russian high-thrust engines is also claimed. However, actual figures will only be known after commercial operation begins — victory goes to the Trent 1000.
Readiness Level
Today, the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 is a fully production engine. It is operated by airlines worldwide and has accumulated millions of hours.
The PD-35 has already moved beyond the design stage. The first demonstrator engine has been assembled, is undergoing bench tests, and has confirmed its design characteristics, including thrust.
A long program of refinement, flight tests, and certification still lies ahead — for now, we award the point to the Trent 1000.
Independence
This is where the PD-35 gains its main advantage. For Russia, this engine should become the first fully domestic engine of its class, free from dependence on foreign suppliers.
The Trent 1000 remains one of the best production engines in its class, but it is fully integrated into the Rolls-Royce production and service ecosystem — we award the point to the PD-35.
Final score — 2:1 in favor of the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000.
The British engine currently wins due to serial production, proven fuel efficiency, and many years of operation.
The PD-35 responds with modern architecture, promising composite technologies, and complete independence from foreign suppliers.
Earlier, "Perviy Tekhnicheskiy" also compared the PD-35 and GE9X.